Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability

On August 28, 2009, Governor Jan Brewer announced the formation of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability. The group was formed following Governor Brewer’s commitment to collaboration on water resource issues. Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Director Herb Guenther, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Director Ben Grumbles, and Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) Chairman Kris Mayes will direct a statewide effort aimed at improving the long term sustainability of Arizona’s water supplies through increased conservation and recycling. The Blue Ribbon Panel has been formed to identify and overcome obstacles to increase water sustainability. Of particular interest will be suggestions and concerns of cities, towns, and other Arizona stakeholders involved in implementing new strategies to advance water recycling and conservation efforts.

The 40 member Panel of appointed members, (representing Legislative leadership, State Agencies, Local Governments, City Governments, Tribal Governments, Federal Government, Universities, and Private Utilities) will provide advice to ADWR, ADEQ, and the ACC on the technical, legal, and policy aspects of promoting recycling of wastewater, graywater, industrial process water, and stormwater. While there are many opportunities to increase water recycling and conservation, an early priority of the Panel will be to focus on increasing wastewater reuse throughout the State through detailed examinations of water quality, regulatory, infrastructure and public acceptance challenges that could limit the increased use of this important water supply.

Working groups have been tasked to develop recommendations in support of the sustainability goals. The working groups will research issues, and discuss and develop recommendations to present to the panel.

PAST MEETINGS OF THE BLUE RIBBON PANEL ON WATER SUSTAINABILITY

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FILES FROM PAST MEETINGS OF THE BLUE RIBBON PANEL ON WATER SUSTAINABILITY

The goal of this work group is to make recommendations regarding statutes, rules, policies, and strategies for increasing water conservation in the agricultural, industrial, and municipal sectors; increasing the recycling of water that is not considered reclaimed water; and reducing the water cost of energy and the energy cost of water.